Footprints inside the Sago Mine in West Virginia indicate the trapped miners tried to use a mechanised mine car to force their way out after the explosion, family members of the sole survivor said.

Families and friends of 12 men killed in a coal mine explosion in the United States prepared to say goodbye to their loved ones today as mine employees met company officials for the first time since the blast.

Thirteen coal miners in West Virginia remained trapped 260 feet below ground today, after an explosion that may have been triggered by lightning.

A COAL mine explosion that may have been sparked by lightning has trapped 13 US miners underground.

Thirteen US miners trapped in a coal mine explosion in Tallmansville, West Virginia today are about three miles underground, state officials said.